ABSTRACT
Aim: This retrospective observational study aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of patients with Rhino orbital mucormycosis ( ROM) following COVID 19 infection enabling a better understanding of the disease and its management. Objective(s): 1. To study the incidence of Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID 19 patients at Saveetha medical college and hospitals . 2. To determine the predisposing factors leading to ROM 3. To study and analyse the best treatment modalities for a better outcome in ROM patients Methods: This is a case study of 8 COVID patients who were diagnosed and reported to have Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in our tertiary care center from April 2021 to June 2021. Result(s): Eight cases of Covid 19 patients who were affected with Rhino-orbital- mucormycosis have been analyzed in the study. Their average duration of hospitalization was around 2-3 weeks after they presented with COVID 19 symptoms. Following the post covid infection and its treatment some patients developed ROM symptoms.The most common complaint was headache, nasal discharge while a minority came with ocular complaints. All the patients either had a previous history of diabetes mellitus or developed increased blood sugar levels following Covid infection and were kept on insulin to control their blood sugar levels. 6 patients (75%) had a history of corticosteroid use and were on supplemental oxygen therapy during Covid-19 hospitalization. Treatment included intravenous liposomal Amphotericin B, functional endoscopic sinus surgery and transcutaneous retrobulbar liposomal Amphotericin B. Conclusion(s): Uncontrolled blood sugar levels , Usage of steroids and long duration of hospitalization in acute phase management of COVID infection are some of the most important predisposing factor for the development of Covid-19 associated Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. Early presentation, prompt diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment with liposomal Amphotericin B and surgical debridement along with strict blood sugar control can lead to a favorable outcome. Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.